The other Dominican Republic is in the untamed Samaná

As you stroll along the cobbled streets of Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial, where the hum of the historic quarter mingles with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee in the restored courtyards, it becomes clear that the Dominican Republic is moving beyond its old reputation as a purely seaside destination. Travelling along the route that winds its way up to the untamed Samaná Peninsula, the encounter with the landscape is immediate and evocative: from the Atlantic breeze rustling the palm trees at Playa Bonita to the tranquillity of the new boutique hotels nestled within nature, the experience on the ground reveals a country that has resolutely committed to low-density hospitality, the protection of biodiversity and the celebration of its historical heritage. Planning this trip during the summer months, between July and early autumn, proves to be an excellent choice: the warm temperatures are cooled by brief, passing showers that keep the natural landscape lush, whilst the lower number of visitors allows you to appreciate the true essence and most authentic hospitality of the Dominican Republic.